Stephanie Cecelia (Smith) Bird

Stephanie Cecelia Bird, 96, of Hurst, Texas passed away on June 7, 2021. Born November 12, 1924 in Brisbane, Australia to Wilifred Evanstone Raphael Smith and Mary Evelyn Maunsel Smith. Stephanie met the love of her life, William Leo Bird, during the height of World War II while volunteering with the The Australian Women’s Voluntary Services. They married in Brisbane six months later on March 6, 1945. Stephanie immigrated to the United States but always kept Australia near to her heart. While she longed for her homeland, there is nothing she would have traded for the life her and William built here together.

Stephanie was a devout Catholic. She had a love for the arts and she especially loved to dance. In a few words Stephanie was compassionate, graceful, kind, wise, humble and patient. She was a true lady. Stephanie is remembered for practicing unconditional acceptance. She was involved not only in the rearing of her own children, but also her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her great-great grandchildren. After all, she preferred the company of children to that of adults. She taught them the power of prayer, the meaning of gratitude, and the great importance of practicing mindfulness.

Stephanie is preceded in death by her parents; her husband William; daughters Carmel and Mary; and her son William R.

Survivors include her daughters Stephanie Knapp (John), Lisa Bird (Larry Stewart) and Lora Ledbetter (Donald Black); sons Anthony Bird (Julie), Clifford Bird and Kevin Bird; and a multitude of grand, great and great-great grandchildren.

A special appreciation for the loving care provided to Stephanie by Donald Black and Kitty DeLuna.